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My Favorite Kitchen Appliances, Wood Stoves, and Cast Iron
30
items Life is so much easier when you have quality small appliances you can count on. These are my favorites that I use all the time.
Sections
7
Favorite Brands + Where to Buy Them
Baking Related Appliances
Cooking Related Quality Small Appliances
Other Small Appliances
Food Preservation Appliances
Wood Cook Stoves
and Off-grid goodies
Favorite Brands + Where to Buy Them
These are my go-to brands. Hamilton Beach is especially a favorite as I own and use many of their products. I'll add the specific products to my lists.
Hamilton Beach: American Made Quality
Home | HamiltonBeach.com
Lehman's sells nearly EVERYTHING for a homestead, canner, baker, gardener - you name it!
Lehman's - Products For Simple Living
Blain's Farm & Fleet
Blain's Farm & Fleet | Great Brands, Great Value
I LOVE my Zojirushi Bread Machine! It preheats the ingredients so the dough always rises well. Just put them in and then it does everything for you until you pour out a finished, baked 2 lb. loaf of bread!
IMPORTANT: Do not put the bread pan into the sink because the metal on the feet on it will corrode if they get wet.
What I do is dump the loaf of bread out, remove any chunks of bread stuck to the mixing blades, and then put in enough water to cover the blades.
Sit it on your stove or somewhere that won't be damaged by heat.
Later, pull the mixing blades off and rinse the bread pan out.
Turn it upside down and let it fully dry before reinstalling the mixing blades and putting it back in the bread machine for storage.
IMPORTANT: Do not put the bread pan into the sink because the metal on the feet on it will corrode if they get wet.
What I do is dump the loaf of bread out, remove any chunks of bread stuck to the mixing blades, and then put in enough water to cover the blades.
Sit it on your stove or somewhere that won't be damaged by heat.
Later, pull the mixing blades off and rinse the bread pan out.
Turn it upside down and let it fully dry before reinstalling the mixing blades and putting it back in the bread machine for storage.
Zojirushi.com
Baking Related Appliances
My Hamilton Beach toaster oven is over ten years old and got used almost every day. The lower heating elements just went out.
I'm thinking of getting one of these. Anyone have an opinion?
I'm thinking of getting one of these. Anyone have an opinion?
Hamilton Beach® Professional Sure-Crisp® Digital Air Fryer Countertop Oven
I don't have one of these, but it is on my wish list.
Challenger Bread Pan®
I LOVE my Zojirushi bread machine because it makes baking bread so easy + perfect results every time because it preheats the ingredients.
To make a loaf, just add ingredients, press a button or two, and it does everything for you. When it beeps, you pour out your finished loaf of bread (see photo).
I also use it to make dough. It can mix, knead, rise. Then pour it out and shape into whatever you want: pizza crust, hamburger and hot dog buns, subway rolls, bread sticks, cinnamon rolls, shaped bread.
Last night I baked a chocolate cake in it for the first time. Came out very good. There is also a jam setting for making jam you don't have to stir.
IMPORTANT: Do not put the bread pan into the sink because the metal on the feet on it will corrode if they get wet.
What I do is dump the loaf of bread out, remove any chunks of bread stuck to the mixing blades, and then put in enough water to cover the blades.
Sit it on your stove or somewhere that won't be damaged by heat.
Later, pull the mixing blades off and rinse the bread pan out.
Turn it upside down and let it fully dry before reinstalling the mixing blades and putting it back in the bread machine for storage.
To make a loaf, just add ingredients, press a button or two, and it does everything for you. When it beeps, you pour out your finished loaf of bread (see photo).
I also use it to make dough. It can mix, knead, rise. Then pour it out and shape into whatever you want: pizza crust, hamburger and hot dog buns, subway rolls, bread sticks, cinnamon rolls, shaped bread.
Last night I baked a chocolate cake in it for the first time. Came out very good. There is also a jam setting for making jam you don't have to stir.
IMPORTANT: Do not put the bread pan into the sink because the metal on the feet on it will corrode if they get wet.
What I do is dump the loaf of bread out, remove any chunks of bread stuck to the mixing blades, and then put in enough water to cover the blades.
Sit it on your stove or somewhere that won't be damaged by heat.
Later, pull the mixing blades off and rinse the bread pan out.
Turn it upside down and let it fully dry before reinstalling the mixing blades and putting it back in the bread machine for storage.
Home Bakery Virtuoso® Plus Breadmaker BB-PDC20
This is the flour mill I chose: the MockMill 100. Flour mills are pricey, but the baked goods they create ARE AMAZING!
Some believe that using the whole grain can greatly improve your health. I know that once I used it, now I don't like using only flour.
I baked plenty of things with ONLY the whole grain wheat I milled myself. And if I want something to be lighter or rise higher, I add duck eggs + some King Arthur organic flour, too.
Some believe that using the whole grain can greatly improve your health. I know that once I used it, now I don't like using only flour.
I baked plenty of things with ONLY the whole grain wheat I milled myself. And if I want something to be lighter or rise higher, I add duck eggs + some King Arthur organic flour, too.
Mockmill 100 Stone Grain Mill
I didn't spring for the fancy big model of MockMill, but some do.
Mockmill Professional 200 Stone Grain Mill
If you like the fancy wood grain mills, consider this one, too. Nutrimill has a good reputation and this mill has good reviews on Amazon.
NutriMill Harvest Electric Grain Mill - Black
Cooking Related Quality Small Appliances
Appliances I highly recommend and use regularly for cooking.
I make meals for me for a week in this 10 quart oval Hamilton Beach slow cooker. And they are so low-priced everyone should have one to turn tough meats tender and eat very well with so little work and no standing over the stove!
Perfect for roasting a whole chicken surrounded by veggies (quartered potatoes, chunks of carrot, bell pepper and onion, garlic, Himalayan crystal salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and whatever else you prefer.
Let it cook on low overnight or all day for a delicious meal. If you're hungry before the chicken is done, snack on the veggies! I slice the white meat to eat with those veggies.
Then I push the chicken down into the broth, add cubed sweet potatoes or butternut squash, add water as needed and cook until veggies are tender.
Eat the second round of veggies with chicken as a soup or stew. THEN, add lentils and/or rice + curry powder and you have a third different dish – all from one chicken!
Do the same first two round with a roast or beef shanks. (First roast + veggies and then beef soup.) Then use the leftover broth to flavor beans or add a package of stew meat and make stew.
Also look at the 10 Quart Extra-Large Stay or Go® Slow Cooker if you like to take meals with you to family, friends, or potlucks.
Perfect for roasting a whole chicken surrounded by veggies (quartered potatoes, chunks of carrot, bell pepper and onion, garlic, Himalayan crystal salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and whatever else you prefer.
Let it cook on low overnight or all day for a delicious meal. If you're hungry before the chicken is done, snack on the veggies! I slice the white meat to eat with those veggies.
Then I push the chicken down into the broth, add cubed sweet potatoes or butternut squash, add water as needed and cook until veggies are tender.
Eat the second round of veggies with chicken as a soup or stew. THEN, add lentils and/or rice + curry powder and you have a third different dish – all from one chicken!
Do the same first two round with a roast or beef shanks. (First roast + veggies and then beef soup.) Then use the leftover broth to flavor beans or add a package of stew meat and make stew.
Also look at the 10 Quart Extra-Large Stay or Go® Slow Cooker if you like to take meals with you to family, friends, or potlucks.
10 Quart Slow Cooker
If you like to cook meals to take to family, friends, church events, or potlucks, this is for you.
Also read my notes on the other 10 Quart Oval Slow Cooker as I shared my favorite meals there and how to make them.
Also read my notes on the other 10 Quart Oval Slow Cooker as I shared my favorite meals there and how to make them.
10 Quart Extra-Large Stay or Go® Slow Cooker - 33195
I LOVE this turkey roaster! Makes thanksgiving so easy + feeds me all winter. I'll explain.
NOTE: You can use a turkey roaster like any slow cooker to make large batches for canning or to feed a crowd.
I roast my turkey stuffed (yes, I'm old - just make sure you scrape out ALL of the stuffing right away and refrigerate or can the leftovers.)
So easy with perfect, juicy results every time.
Then, I slice all the white meat and some of the red onto a platter to consume fresh. And put all the stuffing in a Corningware dish for refrigerating after dinner. And I take a break to eat!
After eating and putting away the leftovers, I push the entire turkey that is left (tons of read meat, bones, skin) down and add water to cover.
Set to high and boil all the meat off the bones. The tiny neck bones will dissolve into the broth to add minerals and collagen. THIS IS WHY people took chicken soup to the sick: those nutrients are healing!
Let it cook as long as it takes. I usually leave it cooking at least simmering overnight.
Then the next day, I use tongs to put the bones in one big bowl and the skin in another. The bones are very soft so I feed these and the skin gradually to my dogs.
Feed the skin first as it doesn't keep as well even in the refrigerator. You can freeze the bones and feed them over a longer period of time.
Next, I can the turkey with broth in my Presto electric pressure canner. I usually get about 5 quarts because I buy large turkeys. Any pressure canner will work, but the Presto is so much easier.
Finally, I can 10 quarts of turkey broth to use as soup base and especially for turkey gravy to put over biscuits or mashed potatoes. So delicious.
TIP: If you use flour to thicken your gravy it is easier to use the leftovers. Using cornstarch causes gravy to congeal. You can still do it, but you'll have to add more water and stir the leftover gravy while reheating.
NOTE: You can use a turkey roaster like any slow cooker to make large batches for canning or to feed a crowd.
I roast my turkey stuffed (yes, I'm old - just make sure you scrape out ALL of the stuffing right away and refrigerate or can the leftovers.)
So easy with perfect, juicy results every time.
Then, I slice all the white meat and some of the red onto a platter to consume fresh. And put all the stuffing in a Corningware dish for refrigerating after dinner. And I take a break to eat!
After eating and putting away the leftovers, I push the entire turkey that is left (tons of read meat, bones, skin) down and add water to cover.
Set to high and boil all the meat off the bones. The tiny neck bones will dissolve into the broth to add minerals and collagen. THIS IS WHY people took chicken soup to the sick: those nutrients are healing!
Let it cook as long as it takes. I usually leave it cooking at least simmering overnight.
Then the next day, I use tongs to put the bones in one big bowl and the skin in another. The bones are very soft so I feed these and the skin gradually to my dogs.
Feed the skin first as it doesn't keep as well even in the refrigerator. You can freeze the bones and feed them over a longer period of time.
Next, I can the turkey with broth in my Presto electric pressure canner. I usually get about 5 quarts because I buy large turkeys. Any pressure canner will work, but the Presto is so much easier.
Finally, I can 10 quarts of turkey broth to use as soup base and especially for turkey gravy to put over biscuits or mashed potatoes. So delicious.
TIP: If you use flour to thicken your gravy it is easier to use the leftovers. Using cornstarch causes gravy to congeal. You can still do it, but you'll have to add more water and stir the leftover gravy while reheating.
Electric Roaster Oven 22 Quarts, Stainless Steel
My Hamilton Beach toaster ovens last over 10 years with almost daily use. The heating elements eventually get weak so I need a new one.
This is the model I'll probably get. They used to only be toaster ovens, but now they are also air fryers.
I don't use microwave ovens as every one tested leaks radiation! (I have an EMF meter to measure.)
A toaster oven is PERFECT for reheating leftovers. I often put them on a pie plate or use the Corning Ware they're stored in as it can go from refrigerator right into the oven!
I always buy a model that is big enough inside to bake large pie plates. I love pies and if I'm only baking one I use the toaster oven instead of the big oven.
In the summer, I might even bake two in the toaster oven. It uses less energy and doesn't heat the kitchen as much!
A toaster oven is also perfect for baking quick breads. I use the square 2 quart Corning Ware pans for that. And I also bake cornbread, small cakes, and coffee cakes with pears in the toaster oven in Corning Ware 2 quart pans.
For a larger cake, I use a 9" square glass Pyrex dish. I also bake my cakes in the toaster oven.
You can even bake pizza in the tray accessory that comes with the toaster oven. Or in a pie plate.
Sometimes I use my Zojirushi bread machine to make yeast pizza dough. Other times I just make quick bread (as though I'm making biscuits) and use that as it is faster and both are good!
This is the model I'll probably get. They used to only be toaster ovens, but now they are also air fryers.
I don't use microwave ovens as every one tested leaks radiation! (I have an EMF meter to measure.)
A toaster oven is PERFECT for reheating leftovers. I often put them on a pie plate or use the Corning Ware they're stored in as it can go from refrigerator right into the oven!
I always buy a model that is big enough inside to bake large pie plates. I love pies and if I'm only baking one I use the toaster oven instead of the big oven.
In the summer, I might even bake two in the toaster oven. It uses less energy and doesn't heat the kitchen as much!
A toaster oven is also perfect for baking quick breads. I use the square 2 quart Corning Ware pans for that. And I also bake cornbread, small cakes, and coffee cakes with pears in the toaster oven in Corning Ware 2 quart pans.
For a larger cake, I use a 9" square glass Pyrex dish. I also bake my cakes in the toaster oven.
You can even bake pizza in the tray accessory that comes with the toaster oven. Or in a pie plate.
Sometimes I use my Zojirushi bread machine to make yeast pizza dough. Other times I just make quick bread (as though I'm making biscuits) and use that as it is faster and both are good!
Sure-Crisp® Air Fryer Toaster Oven
You've heard deep frying is bad, right? Well, personally, I believe healthy oils in moderation are good for you.
So I do deep fry some things: onion rings, french fries, potato chips, Tempura, squash blossoms. And sopaipillas. So yummy!
This isn't the model I have, but I kind of wish I did. Consider how much counter space you have and where you will use and store your kitchen appliances before you decide what to buy.
So I do deep fry some things: onion rings, french fries, potato chips, Tempura, squash blossoms. And sopaipillas. So yummy!
This isn't the model I have, but I kind of wish I did. Consider how much counter space you have and where you will use and store your kitchen appliances before you decide what to buy.
Deep Fryer, 4.5 Liters/19 Cup Oil Capacity Professional-Style with 3 Baskets
Other Small Appliances
If you like your smoothies or protein drinks with plenty of ice and use cubes, you need a blender like this one.
Hamilton Beach is a great brand with excellent reviews. Who knew they made blenders?
Hamilton Beach is a great brand with excellent reviews. Who knew they made blenders?
Wave Crusher® Multi-Function Blender with Mess-free 40oz Glass Jar, 700W Black & Stainless
If you love ice or use a lot of it, you may want an ice machine. They really are nice to have.
Countertop Ice Maker
Food Preservation Appliances
Presto electric pressure canners make canning so much easier! Once it is up to pressure and you put the regulator on, you don't have to do anything until it beeps.
Pressure can 5 quarts, 7 wide-mouth pints, or 8 regular pints.
Water bath can 7 wide-mouth pints or 8 regular pints - no quarts for water bath canning.
Pressure can 5 quarts, 7 wide-mouth pints, or 8 regular pints.
Water bath can 7 wide-mouth pints or 8 regular pints - no quarts for water bath canning.
Digital Pressure Canner
Even though I have a Presto electric canner now, I still have regular pressure canners in case the power goes out. This one does 8 quarts or 16 pints at a time.
When shopping for a pressure canner, make sure it will work on YOUR stove. Some glass tops say not recommended. Some take their chances anyway and others do not. Also, it needs to fit under your stove hood.
Remember that if you have an electric stove you may need to move the canner off of the heat. So the larger one does more jars at a time. But it weighs a ton.
Torn between Presto and All American? Most start with Presto because they're cheaper. If you can afford it, you may want an All American because it doesn't require gaskets. But they are substantially more expensive. And don't forget to oil the rim so...
When shopping for a pressure canner, make sure it will work on YOUR stove. Some glass tops say not recommended. Some take their chances anyway and others do not. Also, it needs to fit under your stove hood.
Remember that if you have an electric stove you may need to move the canner off of the heat. So the larger one does more jars at a time. But it weighs a ton.
Torn between Presto and All American? Most start with Presto because they're cheaper. If you can afford it, you may want an All American because it doesn't require gaskets. But they are substantially more expensive. And don't forget to oil the rim so...
Presto Pressure Canner with Recipe Book and Canning Rack
Did you know Hamilton Beach makes dehydrators? I didn't or I would have bought mine from them.
The square white model in the photo is the one they have in stock as I create this. Mine is a no-name stainless steel similar to the square metal dehydrator shown in another photo.
All dehydrators are pretty much the same. You do want to decide whether plastic trays are ok with you or you want stainless steel.
Also, consider the types of trays. My no-name came with 4 similar to oven racks and 4 with small squares. I use parchment paper to dehydrate what won't work on those.
Just start with any kind of dehydrator. They're super for making dried fruit, fruit roll-ups, dried herbs, and storing veggies long-term.
I've even dehydrated Sumac berries to make Sumac-aide (like lemonade) all year long. Mix your Sumac-aide 50/50 with herbal tea and you have a healthier version of an “Arnold Palmer” iced drink.
The square white model in the photo is the one they have in stock as I create this. Mine is a no-name stainless steel similar to the square metal dehydrator shown in another photo.
All dehydrators are pretty much the same. You do want to decide whether plastic trays are ok with you or you want stainless steel.
Also, consider the types of trays. My no-name came with 4 similar to oven racks and 4 with small squares. I use parchment paper to dehydrate what won't work on those.
Just start with any kind of dehydrator. They're super for making dried fruit, fruit roll-ups, dried herbs, and storing veggies long-term.
I've even dehydrated Sumac berries to make Sumac-aide (like lemonade) all year long. Mix your Sumac-aide 50/50 with herbal tea and you have a healthier version of an “Arnold Palmer” iced drink.
Food Dehydrator
Wood Cook Stoves and Off-grid goodies
This is my favorite Kitchen Queen Grand Comfort wood cook stove. It is too big for my cabin, but if it wasn't I would have this one.
I fell in love with it because of the big glass viewing area on the firebox and the big glass oven window. I love being able to watch the fire and see how what I'm baking is doing.
This stove is highly efficient with a double reburn firebox and built in heat shields so you don't lose as much space around it for fire safety.
It has many optional features including a shelf, 24 gallon water reservoir across the back, oven temperature gauge, summer grate, and heater coil to heat water for your home.
I fell in love with it because of the big glass viewing area on the firebox and the big glass oven window. I love being able to watch the fire and see how what I'm baking is doing.
This stove is highly efficient with a double reburn firebox and built in heat shields so you don't lose as much space around it for fire safety.
It has many optional features including a shelf, 24 gallon water reservoir across the back, oven temperature gauge, summer grate, and heater coil to heat water for your home.
Grand Comfort Wood Cook Stove
If you have a smaller space or live where it is warm like I do, this is the best wood cook stove. It heats up and cools down quickly.
And it is easy to adjust the temperature. You can order a thermometer feature for the oven and a glass door for the oven, too.
They sell a “summer grate” feature so you can build a small fire near the cooking surface to use it in warmer weather.
It is so energy efficient, that a fire will burn all night and then some.
And you can get a 17 gallon water reservoir so you can have hot water on demand.
There is also a water coil feature if you you want to use it to heat water for your home.
The only differences between this stove and my favorite is there is currently no option for a glass door for the firebox. And it isn't quite as fuel efficient as the larger Kitchen Queen Grand Comfort stoves.
And it is easy to adjust the temperature. You can order a thermometer feature for the oven and a glass door for the oven, too.
They sell a “summer grate” feature so you can build a small fire near the cooking surface to use it in warmer weather.
It is so energy efficient, that a fire will burn all night and then some.
And you can get a 17 gallon water reservoir so you can have hot water on demand.
There is also a water coil feature if you you want to use it to heat water for your home.
The only differences between this stove and my favorite is there is currently no option for a glass door for the firebox. And it isn't quite as fuel efficient as the larger Kitchen Queen Grand Comfort stoves.
Kitchen Queen Hearth Master 240 with Large Oven, Glass Oven Door, Oven Thermostat, and Upper Shelf
Oil lamps are far more useful than candles for off-grid lighting. They put off quite a bit of heat. And you will want to use a very clean oil. Some options for oil lamp fuel smell bad.
Lehman's Nighttime Favorite Oil Lamp
Cast Iron
Big sale on Lodge Cast Iron Sets - great time to add to your collection or start one!
Shop the Sets Sale! Now through 10/31, save up to 20% off cast iron sets—perfect for wedding season and holiday gifting!
Lodge is “the” name in Cast Iron and this set provides all you really need (although there are more goodies we all want).
Cast Iron 5 Piece Cookware Set | Shop Online
Did you know that Enameled Dutch Ovens come in sizes from 1.5 qt to 7.5 qts and all these pretty colors?
Use in the oven or on the top of the stove. The large sizes are perfect for making roasts, soups, and stews.
Use in the oven or on the top of the stove. The large sizes are perfect for making roasts, soups, and stews.
Essential Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven | Shop Online | Lodge Cast Iron
Lodge Two Sided Reversible Grill - one side is flat for pancakes and eggs - the other side is ribbed for cooking bacon and other meats you want to drain.
19 x 9.5 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle | Lodge Cast Iron
12 Inch / 6 Quart Cast Iron Boy Scout Camp Dutch Oven - This type of Dutch Oven has a lip on the lid so that you can pile coals on the top to bake over an open fire.
Cast Iron Boy Scout Camp Dutch Oven | Lodge Cast Iron
5 Quart Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven - wondering why the lid is deep? It provides more room for baking loaves of bread or roasting poultry or roasts.
Why would you want a skillet with double handles instead of a long handle? Because they fit better in wood cook stoves that may not have ovens large enough for the longer handle on a regular cast iron skillet.
Why would you want a skillet with double handles instead of a long handle? Because they fit better in wood cook stoves that may not have ovens large enough for the longer handle on a regular cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven | Shop Online | Lodge Cast Iron
Lodge Cast Iron Bakeware Essentials - I bet you haven't seen all of these before!
Cast Iron Bakeware & Accessories